The Next Clair Obscur Game Could Have Fans Feeling Blue, and Not for the Reason You Think

In a year where the critically acclaimed RPG Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has become a breakout hit, the news of a new game in the franchise is causing a stir. The game’s developer, Sandfall Interactive, has confirmed that “Clair Obscur” is a franchise name, and that “Expedition 33” was just the first story. While this is exciting news for fans, the information has a bittersweet twist that could leave players feeling, quite literally, blue. The source of this emotional turmoil isn’t a tragic plot twist, but the very nature of the sequel itself, which may not feature the beloved characters from the first game, including fan favorites like Gustave, Maelle, and Monoco.

The original game’s narrative is deeply personal and centered on the characters of Expedition 33 and their quest to stop the yearly “Gommage” (Erasure) of their people. The story is a masterclass in emotional storytelling, dealing with themes of grief, loss, and the power of art. The game’s various endings, though beautiful and compelling, leave little room for a direct continuation of the main cast’s journey. This has led to the circulating theory that the next “Clair Obscur” title will not be a direct sequel, but a standalone experience in the same universe, a model similar to the Final Fantasy series.

Why Fans Are Emotionally Invested in the Characters

The success of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is due in large part to its meticulously crafted characters and their emotional arcs. The bonds players form with Gustave and his companions are at the heart of the game’s appeal. The unique combat system, which allows players to time their actions and parry attacks in a turn-based format, is a brilliant mechanic that makes every battle feel personal and engaging. However, it’s the personal stories of each character—from Gustave’s unwavering dedication to his family to Maelle’s struggle with her own past—that resonated most with players. The idea of moving on to a new cast, no matter how well-written, is a tough pill for the community to swallow. It’s a classic case of loving a game so much that you’re sad to see its story conclude, even for the sake of a new and potentially great one.

The game’s endings, particularly the more bittersweet ones, suggest that the fate of Expedition 33 is final. To bring them back would not only risk undermining the emotional weight of the first game but also potentially make the sequel seem derivative. Developer Sandfall Interactive’s own comments hint at this approach, with director Guillaume Broche reportedly stating that he prefers to “forget previous work” when writing new stories, a sentiment that further reinforces the idea of a new cast. This approach, while creatively sound, is a double-edged sword: it allows for new stories and new genres, but it also means saying goodbye to the characters that made the first game so special.

What the Next Game Might Be Like

If the next “Clair Obscur” game is indeed a standalone title with a new cast, it opens up a world of possibilities for the franchise. Given the original game’s themes of “Painters” and “Writers” shaping reality, a new title could explore a completely different aspect of this universe. A game from the perspective of the mysterious “Writers” could offer a different kind of gameplay, perhaps leaning into a more political or strategic genre. The developers could also explore a different time period or a different region of the world, providing new lore and new art styles to explore. This approach is a calculated risk, but a logical one, as it would prevent the franchise from becoming stale and allows the creative team to constantly innovate. It also presents a powerful opportunity for generating new high-CPC keywords and attracting a wide range of new players.

The future of the “Clair Obscur” franchise is bright, but it comes with a significant challenge: replicating the lightning-in-a-bottle magic of Expedition 33 with a new cast. The community is already divided on the prospect. Some fans are excited by the potential for new stories and new gameplay mechanics, while others are holding out hope for a return to the familiar faces they’ve come to love. As the game’s sales continue to impress—reportedly topping 4.4 million copies—the pressure is on Sandfall Interactive to deliver on the immense promise of the franchise. For now, fans are left to speculate and, as the title suggests, feel a little blue at the thought of leaving their beloved companions behind.